ASHGABAT – His Majesty King Mswati III has told world leaders gathered at the Turkmenistan Congress Hall that landlocked countries like Eswatini pay nearly twice as much in transport costs as their coastal counterparts, limiting their ability to compete and attract investment.
Addressing the 3rd United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), the King described the burden of geography as a persistent obstacle that slows trade, access to markets, and broader development.
“For Eswatini, being landlocked is not just a geographic condition but a daily development challenge,” he said. “High transport costs and vulnerability to global shocks slow our progress. Yet, these challenges inspire us to think innovatively and seize opportunities for cooperation.”
He said Eswatini and other landlocked nations continue to struggle with logistical delays and weak infrastructure, but that these setbacks have also pushed the country to adopt transformative strategies to reposition itself.
The King outlined measures being implemented to turn Eswatini into a land-linked economy, including rail upgrades, streamlined customs systems, and investment in digital infrastructure aimed at improving internal and cross-border connectivity.
“These efforts foster regional integration and economic competitiveness,” he said. “They broaden our economic base, create jobs and support inclusive development, aligning with our national priorities and Agenda 2030 and 2063.”
His Majesty noted that the country’s economy recorded eight per cent growth in 2024/2025, with key sectors like mining and construction registering double-digit expansion. He said this growth is helping reduce the fiscal deficit, supported by stronger SACU receipts, improved domestic revenue collection, and support from multilateral partners.
He also pointed to Eswatini’s growing role in international trade, citing the ratification of the World Trade Organisation’s trade facilitation agreement and the launch of a national trade information portal in partnership with the World Bank, which aims to make trade procedures easier and more transparent for the private sector.
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